http://www.austintexas.gov/department/news/Parks%20and%20Recreation/In%20the%20Parks
enGrand Opening for Notes for Notes Music Studio http://www.austintexas.gov/blog/grand-opening-notes-notes-music-studio
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</h4>
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<strong>Youth-focused recording studio opened at Doris Miller Auditorium in Rosewood Neighborhood Park</strong></h4>
<p>The Austin Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the non-profit Notes-for-Notes organization (N4N™), hosted a community ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Notes-for-Notes’ youth-focused recording and music studio inside the Doris Miller Auditorium at Rosewood Neighborhood Park on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 1:00 PM.</p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Parks/Evite_picture-1.jpg" style="width: 90%; height: 90%;" /></p>
<p>Notes for Notes™ Studios are drop-in recording studio environments where youth (6-18+yrs) can gain regular, FREE access to a wide variety of musical instruments, expert instruction, and the tools to create and record their own music. Staffed by Notes for Notes team members, the studios offer a knowledge base of engineering, instrumentals, theory, and songwriting, ingrained in a culture conducive to collaboration and communication.</p>
<p>“The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to partner with such a unique non-profit organization that brings a whole new aspect of learning to Austin youth,” stated Kimberly McNeeley, Acting Director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. “Music is a big part of Austin’s culture, and having the opportunity to learn about it from inside a studio, by people who are passionate and knowledgeable, is a big advantage for the children.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>About Notes for </strong><strong>Notes™</strong></p>
<p>Notes for Notes™ (N4N™) is a non-profit organization that designs, equips, and staffs after-school recording studios inside Boys &amp; Girls Clubs and Recreation Centers offering youth the opportunity to explore, create, and record music for FREE. N4N Studios are packed with professional instruments and full recording facilities. Beyond providing access to equipment and resources, youth are educated about careers both on the stage and behind the scenes.</p>
<p>Notes for Notes was founded on the core belief that music is the universal language of humankind, with the power to transcend virtually any cultural, racial, or socioeconomic barrier. At the heart of the organization is a dedication to the relationships formed through music. Music inspires connection and collaboration, and it is through these relationships that we can make the most impact. For more information, please visit <a href="http://notesfornotes.org">http://notesfornotes.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>About the Austin Parks and Recreation Department</strong><br />
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is an award-winning park system with more than 300 parks, 227 miles of trails, 20,000 acres of greenspace, 35 swimming pools and more than 71 museums, cultural centers , historic buildings and recreation and senior centers. The Department serves the public by providing, protecting and preserving a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers an essential public service and demonstrates economic value, health and environmental benefits, and social importance by improving the overall quality of life for Austin residents and visitors. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/parks">www.austintexas.gov/parks</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/music" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Music</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/music-studio" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">music studio</a></div></div></div>Thu, 10 May 2018 15:35:44 +0000parkss52927 at http://www.austintexas.govLone Star Legacy Designation for Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Parkhttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/lone-star-legacy-designation-parque-zaragoza-neighborhood-park
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In March 2017, Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park was designated a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS).</p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Parks/Parque_Zaragoza_Historical_Marker.JPG" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;" /></p>
<p>A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and had to meet at least one of the following criteria:</p>
<ul><li>
The property represents distinctive design and/or construction.</li>
<li>
The park is associated with historic events or sites.</li>
<li>
The park is associated with events specific to the local community/state.</li>
<li>
The park is home to unique natural features.</li>
</ul><p>A historic treasure for the City of Austin, Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park is a little more than 15 acres and is home to a 17,500 square foot recreation center. The center is named in honor of General Ignacio Zaragoza, commander of the Mexican forces that routed the French Army on Cinco de Mayo in 1862 in the Battle of Puebla. General Zaragoza was born in what is now Goliad, Texas.</p>
<p>The recreation center design includes a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, complete with locker rooms and showers. Other rooms include an arts and crafts room, weight/exercise room, kitchen, multi-purpose room and administrative office space. The center offers other amenities including a swimming pool, an outdoor stage area, outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball court, multi-purpose field and outdoor restrooms.</p>
<p>Parks have played an important role in the development of our communities throughout history. Local parks help promote community, natural respite and social interaction as communities were founded, developed and prospered and all parks so designated will be included in a state-wide initiative promoting Heritage Tourism.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/parque-zaragoza" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Parque Zaragoza</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">park</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/historic-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">historic park</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/gumnasium" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gumnasium</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/basketball" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">basketball</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/volleyball" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">volleyball</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/arts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">arts</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/crafts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">crafts</a></div></div></div>Thu, 10 May 2018 15:26:14 +0000parkss52926 at http://www.austintexas.govShoal Creek Restoration Completion Celebrationhttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/shoal-creek-restoration-completion-celebration
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Parks/Blog/Shoal_Creek_Restoration_Ceremony.png" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;" /></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Roboto, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">Come join the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department and Watershed Protection Department to celebrate the completion of the restoration of Shoal Creek between 15th and 28th streets. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Roboto, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">This is an outdoor park event, so please dress comfortably!</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/shoal-creek" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Shoal Creek</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/pease-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Pease Park</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/celebration" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Celebration</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/creek-restoration" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creek restoration</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/family" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">family</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">environment</a></div></div></div>Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:40:12 +0000parkss52536 at http://www.austintexas.govA NEW Species of Crab Spider was Found at Austin Nature and Science Centerhttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/new-species-crab-spider-was-found-austin-nature-and-science-center
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p class="rtecenter"> </p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/files/Joseph_T_Lapp.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 380px;" /></p>
<p>Congratulations to Joseph T. Lapp! We sometimes refer to him as Spider Joe when he gives presentations to our kids during our summer camp and other programs. He made the discovery of a new spider species the Austin Nature &amp; Science Center (ANSC), in Austin, Texas. You can read the scientific details of the new spider in the publication <a href="http://www.americanarachnology.org/JoA_free/JoA_v45_n3/arac-45-3-296.pdf" target="_blank">Journal of Arachnology</a>.</p>
<p>The photos below show the spider , Mlappi penultM, in both the male and femal specimens.</p>
<p>The male spider with the red spots (below) was collected from ANSC:</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/files/male_spider-1.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 232px;" /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/files/male_spider-2.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 151px;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The female without the red spots was collected from EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens in Wimberley:<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/files/Female_spider-2.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 151px;" /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/files/Female_spider-1.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 313px;" /></p>
<p>There appears to be a third specimen here, but the Mlappi_penultM_from_ANSC image is actually the same spider collected from ANSC. This is what it looked like when Joe Spider brought it home to photograph. Shortly after he photographed it, it molted into an adult with red spots.<br />
<br />
So there are only two specimens here. Both now define the species. The male from ANSC is the holotype and the female is a paratype.</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/spiders" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">spiders</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/mlappi-penultm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mlappi penultM</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/education" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/arachnology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Arachnology</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/cool-facts-austin" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cool facts of Austin</a></div></div></div>Tue, 20 Mar 2018 14:29:25 +0000parkss52215 at http://www.austintexas.govKwanzaahttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/kwanzaa
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<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Parks/images/kwanzaa.jpg" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;" /></p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>On Dec. 26, millions throughout the world’s African community started weeklong celebrations of Kwanzaa. There were daily ceremonies with food, decorations and other cultural objects, such as the kinara, which holds seven candles. At many Kwanzaa ceremonies, there is also African drumming and dancing...It is a time of communal self-affirmation – when famous black heroes and heroines, as well as late family members – are celebrated.</p>
<p>Zwanzaa lasts for seven days and was founded by Maulana Karenga, a professor, activist and chairman of black studies at California State University, in 1966, to create and help build stronger communities between African-Americans and their neighborhoods.</p>
<p>Kwanzaa is a nonreligious holiday and is modeled after a number African harvest celebrations. It’s name is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in Swahili. It is celebrated in many different ways, but celebrations often include storytelling, songs, dance and a large meal.</p>
<p>Included in the celebration is a 7-prong candle called the Kinara. During each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit. Each candle represents one of the seven principles that are celebrated and that represents a special value in African-American culture.</p>
<p>The seven principles include: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).</p>
<p>Kwanzaa also incorporates seven celebratory symbols, and one is emphasized each day. Those symbols include: the crops (mazao), place mat (mkeka), ear of corn (vibunzi), the seven candles (mishumaa saba), the candle holder (kinara), the unity cup (kikombe cha umoja) and gifts (zawadi).</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Parks/images/122615ekwanza.jpg" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Seven Days of Kwanzaa Celebration</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>The First Day of Kwanzaa (December 26)</u></p>
<p>On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit in the Kinara. The black candle represents the first principle – <em><a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#umoja">Umoja</a>:</em> Unity. The person who lights the candle might make a statement about the first principle and its meaning. Sometimes a passage or poem is read relating to what the principle means and how it relates to their life.</p>
<p>Then the Umoja (Unity Cup) might be filled with fruit juice and shared among those gathered. Each takes a drink and passes to the next.</p>
<p>After the sharing of the Unity cup the candles are extinguished till the next day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>The Second Day of Kwanzaa (December 27)</u></p>
<p>On the second day the black candle is again lit, as well as the farthest red candle on the left. This represents the 2nd principle of Kwanzaa –<em><a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#kujichagulia">Kujichagulia</a></em>: Self-Determination.</p>
<p>Again a statement about the second principle and its meaning might be made. Or possibly a passage or poem is spoken or read which relates to what the principle means and how it relates to their life. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>The Third Day of Kwanzaa (December 28)</u></p>
<p>On the third day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green candle. This represents the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa – <em><a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#ujima">Ujima</a></em>: Collective work and responsibility.</p>
<p>The third principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><u>The Fourth Day of Kwanzaa (December 29)</u></p>
<p>On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green. And then the next red candle on the left. This represents the 4th principle of Kwanzaa – <em><a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#ujamaa">Ujamaa</a></em>: Collective economics.</p>
<p>The fourth principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><u>The Fifth Day of Kwanzaa (December 30)</u></p>
<p>On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the 5th principle of Kwanzaa – <a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#nia"><em>Nia</em></a>: Purpose.</p>
<p>The fifth principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><u>The Sixth Day of Kwanzaa (December 31)</u></p>
<p>On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle. This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa – <em><a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#kuumba">Kuumba</a></em>: Creativity.</p>
<p>The sixth day, which occurs on New Years Eve, is a special day. This is the day of the Kwanzaa Karamu or Kwanzaa Feast. In the spirit of celebration many families invite their friends and family to join in the festivities.</p>
<p>A party atmosphere is created with additional Kwanzaa decorations. Family and friends dress up in traditional or traditional inspired clothing,play African or African-American music and cook their favorite foods and special holiday dishes.</p>
<p>On this special day participants remember their ancestors when the Unity cup is shared, and after everyone has taken a drink the candles are extinguished.</p>
<p>But before the Karamu is over, the eldest member of those present will read the Tamshi La Tutaonana. The Tamshi La Tutaonana was written by Dr. Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, as a farewell statement to the feast and the year.</p>
<p>Everyone stands as the elder reads:</p>
<p><em>Strive for discipline, dedication, and achievement in all you do. Dare struggle and sacrifice and gain the strength that comes from this. Build where you are and dare leave a legacy that will last as long as the sun shines and the water flows. Practice daily Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. And may the wisdom of the ancestors always walk with us. May the year’s end meet us laughing, and stronger. May our children honor us by following our example in love and struggle. And at the end of next year, may we sit together again, in larger numbers, with greater achievement and closer to liberation and a higher level of life.</em></p>
<p>Then the elder leads the guests in the Harambee (ha-RAM-bee) salute. Each person raises their right fist about as high as their shoulder, then pulls down forcefully until the elbow is next to next to their torso, saying “Harambee!” This is done seven times in unison.</p>
<p>This concludes the Karamu celebration.</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><u>The Seventh Day of Kwanzaa (January 1)</u></p>
<p>On the seventh day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red candle, the next green, the final red and then the final green candle. This represents the 7th principle of Kwanzaa – <a href="http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm#imani"><em>Imani</em></a>: Faith.</p>
<p>The seventh principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and all seven candles are extinguished. Kwanzaa is over.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday, over time families and communities have established their own traditions that can be enjoyed each year, and passed on to the next generation.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/kwanzaa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kwanzaa</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/carver-museum" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Carver Museum</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/celebration" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Celebration</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">community</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/family" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">family</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/culture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Culture</a></div></div></div>Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:42:35 +0000parkss51115 at http://www.austintexas.govO. Henry Museumhttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/o-henry-museum
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div>
<h1 class="rtecenter">
O. Henry Museum</h1>
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<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/oh_index_house.jpg" style="width: 432px; height: 271px;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>William Sydney Porter</strong> (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), is known by his pen name <strong>O. Henry</strong>, and was an American short story writer. His stories are best known for their surprise endings.</p>
<p>Known as "the master of the short story," O. Henry lived in an1886 Queen Anne-style cottage in Austin from 1893 to 1895.</p>
<p>Now owned by the City of Austin and maintained by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the O. Henry Museum offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter, the man who became famous under the pen name O. Henry. His home has since been restored and now contains artifacts and memorabilia from Porter's life while living in Austin. During his thirteen years in Austin, Porter worked in a variety of occupations. Some of his experiences as a pharmacist, draftsman, bank teller, and reporter would later figure in his short stories. His first nationally known short story, "The Miracle of Lava Canyon", was published before leaving Texas in 1897.</p>
<p>The O. Henry Museum is a great place to learn more about one of Austin's most celebrated authors. Though William Sidney Porter (aka O. Henry) only rented the house during his Austin days, it is a local landmark and provides free docent-led tours from noon to 5 PM every Wednesday through Sunday.</p>
<p>Artifacts from his life abound in the museum, including the wicker chairs that inspired O. Henry's best-known work, "The Gift of the Magi," and plenty of period pieces like his family piano, magazines in which the author's works appeared, and even a map he created while employed at the Texas General Land Office.</p>
<p>In 2015, the O. Henry Museum a Parks and Recreation Department facility acquired a lost story of the famed writer William Sydney Porter, also known as O. Henry, and published a limited edition, fine press book. The lost story, “As Other See Us,” has been turned into an original “artist books,” by Porter, which includes essays and illustrations by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ben Sargent.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 align="center">
<strong>About O. Henry</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/large_O_Henry.jpg" style="width: 180px; height: 180px;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>William Sidney Porter was born on September 11, 1862, in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensboro,_North_Carolina" title="Greensboro, North Carolina">Greensboro, North Carolina</a>.</p>
<p>As a young man in March of 1882, Porter traveled to Texas hoping that a change of air would help alleviate a persistent cough he had developed. As Porter's health did improve, he traveled to Austin in 1884, where he decided to remain and was welcomed into the home of friends. He began writing as a sideline to his day jobs and wrote many of his earliest stories here in Austin.</p>
<p>Porter's most prolific writing period started in 1902, when he moved to New York City to be near his publishers. While there, he wrote 381 short stories. He wrote a story a week for over a year for the <em>New York World Sunday Magazine</em>. His wit, characterization, and plot twists were adored by his readers but often denounced by his critics.</p>
<p>In his day he was called the American answer to Guy de Maupassant because of his surprise endings. While both authors wrote plot twist endings, O. Henry’s stories were considerably more playful. His stories are also known for witty narration.</p>
<p>Most of O. Henry's stories are set in his own time, the early 20th century, and many take place in New York City dealing, for the most part, with ordinary people: policemen, waitresses, homeless etc.</p>
<p>O. Henry's work is wide-ranging, and his characters can be found roaming the countryside of Texas, exploring the art of the con-man, or investigating the tensions of class and wealth in turn-of-the-century New York. O. Henry had the matchless ability of isolating some element of society and describing it with an incredible brevity and refinement of language. Some of his best and least-known work is contained in <em>Cabbages and Kings,</em> a series of stories each of which explores some individual aspect of life in a sleepy Central American town, while advancing some aspect of a larger plot.</p>
<p><em>Cabbages and Kings</em> was his first collection of stories, followed by <em>The Four Million</em>. The second collection opens with a reference to Ward McAllister's "assertion that there were only 'Four Hundred' people in New York City who were really worth noticing. But a wiser man has arisen—the census taker—and his larger estimate of human interest has been preferred in marking out the field of these little stories of the 'Four Million.'" To O. Henry, everyone in New York counted.</p>
<p>He had an obvious devotion for the city, and many of his stories are set there—while others are set in small towns or in other cities. His final work was "Dream", a short story intended for the magazine <em>The Cosmopolitan</em> but it wasn’t completed at the time of his death. </p>
<p>*Among his most famous stories are:</p>
<ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gift_of_the_Magi" title="The Gift of the Magi">The Gift of the Magi</a>" about a young couple, Jim and Della, who are short of money but desperately want to buy each other Christmas gifts. Unbeknownst to Jim, Della sells her most valuable possession, her beautiful hair, in order to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's watch; while unbeknownst to Della, Jim sells his own most valuable possession, his watch, to buy jeweled combs for Della's hair. The essential premise of this story has been copied, re-worked, parodied, and otherwise re-told countless times in the century since it was written.</li>
</ul><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/Gift_of_the_Magai.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 194px;" /></p>
<ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ransom_of_Red_Chief" title="The Ransom of Red Chief">The Ransom of Red Chief</a>", in which two men kidnap a boy of ten. The boy turns out to be so bratty and obnoxious that the desperate men ultimately pay the boy's father $250 to take him back.</li>
</ul><ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cop_and_the_Anthem" title="The Cop and the Anthem">The Cop and the Anthem</a>" about a New York City hobo named Soapy, who sets out to get arrested so that he can be a guest of the city jail instead of sleeping out in the cold winter. Despite efforts at petty theft, vandalism, disorderly conduct, and "mashing" with a young prostitute, Soapy fails to draw the attention of the police. Disconsolate, he pauses in front of a church, where an organ anthem inspires him to clean up his life—and is ironically charged for loitering and sentenced to three months in prison.</li>
</ul><ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Retrieved_Reformation" title="A Retrieved Reformation">A Retrieved Reformation</a>", which tells the tale of safecracker Jimmy Valentine, recently freed from prison. He goes to a town bank to case it before he robs it. As he walks to the door, he catches the eye of the banker's beautiful daughter. They immediately fall in love and Valentine decides to give up his criminal career. He moves into the town, taking up the identity of Ralph Spencer, a shoemaker. Just as he is about to leave to deliver his specialized tools to an old associate, a lawman who recognizes him arrives at the bank. Jimmy and his fiancée and her family are at the bank, inspecting a new safe when a child accidentally gets locked inside the airtight vault. Knowing it will seal his fate, Valentine opens the safe to rescue the child. However, much to Valentine's surprise, the lawman denies recognizing him and lets him go.</li>
</ul><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/A_Retrieved_Reformation.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 191px;" /></p>
<ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duplicity_of_Hargraves" title="The Duplicity of Hargraves">The Duplicity of Hargraves</a>". A short story about a nearly destitute father and daughter's trip to Washington, D.C.</li>
</ul><ul><li>
"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cisco_Kid" title="The Cisco Kid">The Caballero's Way</a>", in which Porter's most famous character, the Cisco Kid, is introduced. It was first published in 1907 in the July issue of <em>Everybody's Magazine</em> and collected in the book <em>Heart of the West</em> that same year. In later film and TV depictions, the Kid would be portrayed as a dashing adventurer, perhaps skirting the edges of the law, but primarily on the side of the angels. In the original short story, the only story by Porter to feature the character, the Kid is a murderous, ruthless border desperado, whose trail is dogged by a heroic Texas Ranger. The twist ending is, unusually for Porter, tragic.</li>
</ul><p>Porter used a number of pen names (including "O. Henry" or "Olivier Henry") in the early part of his writing career; other names included S.H. Peters, James L. Bliss, T.B. Dowd, and Howard Clark. Nevertheless, the name "O. Henry" seemed to garner the most attention from editors and the public, and was used exclusively by Porter for his writing by about 1902.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>* Some information in this article came from Wikipedia.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/o-henry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">O. Henry</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/museum" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Museum</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/austin-authors" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Austin authors</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/famous-authors" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">famous authors</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/puns" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">puns</a></div></div></div>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 14:33:42 +0000parkss50743 at http://www.austintexas.govKeep Austin Playinghttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/keep-austin-playing-1
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Centralized_Programs/KAP_2017_Flyer_drawing_no_bleed.pdf"><img alt="Keep Austin Playing 2017 Flyer" src="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Centralized_Programs/KAP_2017_Flyer_drawing_no_bleed.png" style="width: 612px; height: 792px;" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Come out and play! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1513404555399041/">Mark your calendars</a> for Keep Austin Playing, a free, citywide, interactive play date.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The Austin Parks and Recreation Department creates healthy, active, and sustainable communities. Come learn about community wide programs that offer fun recreational activities for kids. </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Keep Austin Playing highlights include:</span></strong></p>
<ul><li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Portable climbing wall</span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Inflatable batting cage </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bike rodeo </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Human foosball </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Obstacle course </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Corn hole </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tailgate games </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Face painting </span></li>
<li>
<span style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Prizes and more!</span></li>
</ul></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/keep-austin-playing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">keep austin playing</a></div></div></div>Fri, 23 Jun 2017 19:22:30 +0000moyaa48363 at http://www.austintexas.govSummer Food Service Program Starts June 2017http://www.austintexas.gov/blog/summer-food-service-program-starts-june-2017
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-post-short-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Summer Food Service Program 2017</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Centralized_Programs/Summer_Food_Program_2017.pdf"><img alt="Summer Food Service Program Flyer 2017" src="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Centralized_Programs/Summer_Food_Program_2017-01.png" style="width: 700px; height: 906px;" /></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/summer-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">summer food</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/summer-food-service-program" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">summer food service program</a></div></div></div>Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:26:02 +0000moyaa48100 at http://www.austintexas.govLeave No Trace in Austin's Natural Spaceshttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/leave-no-trace-austins-natural-spaces
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="Protect the places you love. Leave no trace. austintexas.gov/leavenotrace" src="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/LNT/Leave_No_Trace_website_banner-01.png" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://austintexas.gov/parks" style="color: rgb(162, 86, 20); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austin Parks and Recreation Department</a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery"><span style="color: rgb(193, 111, 39); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austin Resource Recovery</span></a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and </span><a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/department/watershed-protection" style="color: rgb(162, 86, 20); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watershed Protection</a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> have partnered to raise awareness about <a href="http://austintexas.gov/leavenotrace">Leave No Trace in Austin</a>. As Austin's population continues to soar, each of us can help ensure that our city's parks, trails, and open spaces are protected and enjoyed for generations to come by practicing Leave No Trace.</span></p>
<p>Leave No Trace is a member-driven organization that teaches people to protect the outdoors by recreating responsibly. In fact, Leave No Trace is "<span style="color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">the most widely accepted outdoor ethics program used on public lands."</span></p>
<p>Austin attracts thousands of people to its parks, trails, and open spaces every day, and it is absolutely critical that each of us aim to minimize our impact when we head outdoors. The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are an easy set of guidelines to follow, whether we're hiking in the green belt with friends or going for a walk along the Violet Crown Trail.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles</h3>
<p>Here's how you can follow the<strong> Leave No Trace Seven Principles </strong>(via <a href="https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles">lnt.org</a>). </p>
<h3>
<strong>1. Plan Ahead and Prepare</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.</li>
<li>
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.</li>
<li>
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.</li>
<li>
Repackage food to minimize waste.</li>
<li>
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.</li>
<li>
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>2. Travel on Durable Surfaces</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Durable surfaces include established trails, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.</li>
<li>
In popular areas:</li>
<li>
Concentrate use on existing trails.</li>
<li>
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>3. Dispose of Waste Properly</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, pet waste, and leftover food.</li>
<li>
Bring bags for pet waste, Scoop the Poop, and dispose of bags in designated areas.</li>
<li>
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.</li>
<li>
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>4. Leave What You Find</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.</li>
<li>
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.</li>
<li>
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.</li>
<li>
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>5. Be Careful With Fire</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a lantern for light.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>6. Respect Wildlife</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.</li>
<li>
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.</li>
<li>
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.</li>
<li>
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.</li>
<li>
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.</li>
</ul><h3>
<strong>7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors</strong></h3>
<ul><li>
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.</li>
<li>
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.</li>
<li>
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/leave-no-trace" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leave no trace</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/leave-no-trace-atx" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leave no trace atx</a></div></div></div>Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:14:34 +0000moyaa47042 at http://www.austintexas.govAuditorium/Vic Mathias Shores Mobile Food Concession RFAhttp://www.austintexas.gov/blog/auditoriumvic-mathias-shores-mobile-food-concession-rfa
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Seeking Applications for Mobile Food Concessionaires for Auditorium/Vic Mathias Shores</strong></p>
<p>The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is seeking applications from experienced Mobile Food concessionaires to provide healthy, pre-prepared, or short-order food and beverage service to park patrons at Auditorium/Vic Mathias Shores Trailhead within Town Lake Park. The vendors will be selected based on their compatibility requirements described in the attached Scope of Work.</p>
<p>If you are interested in participating, please submit all the items listed in Section 6 of the Scope of Work (see below). Applications are due no later than <strong>March 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm</strong>. Be advised that no late submittals will be accepted. Late applications will be returned.</p>
<h3>
<strong><a href="/sites/default/files/files/Parks/parks/Auditorium_Shores_RFA.pdf">Click here for RFA (Scope of Work)</a></strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Applications received no later than 1:00 pm on March 20, 2017, and must be delivered in person or submitted by mail to:</p>
<p align="center">City of Austin</p>
<p align="center">Parks and Recreation Department</p>
<p align="center">Attn: Gerard Bickham</p>
<p align="center">200 South Lamar Blvd.</p>
<p align="center">Austin, Texas 78704-1046</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have any questions regarding this concession opportunity, please direct them to Gerard Bickham at 512.974.6740 or email <a href="mailto:gerard.bickham@austintexas.gov">gerard.bickham@austintexas.gov</a> . </p>
<p><strong> All questions must be submitted no later than 1:00 pm on March 9, 2017.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>
</h3>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tag field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tagged:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/mobile-food-trucks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mobile food trucks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/food-trucks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">food trucks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/auditorium-shores" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Auditorium Shores</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/vic-mathias-shores" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Vic Mathias Shores</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/rfa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">RFA</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/rfp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">RFP</a></div></div></div>Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:00:09 +0000parkss46698 at http://www.austintexas.gov